Q & A

Are we surviving as a family of four?
Absolutely!  I'm loving it!

How is Brayden?
Brayden is a great baby.  He is so sweet, and he loves to cuddle!  Caring for him is much easier than Logan was at this point.  Brayden adores Logan and often stops crying when he can see Logan.  He is currently going through a phase where he wants to be held all the time.  I love it, but it can be very difficult to manage an almost two year-old with a newborn in your arms at all times! 

Am I nursing again?
Of course.  Brayden keeps me very busy, eating every two hours during the day.  I'm feeling very nervous about going back to work because I will only have two breaks to pump during the day, and they happen to be only an hour apart from each other.  I'm hoping that my body will be able to adjust at that point because I really don't want to have to start pumping too much before I go back (I HATE it!).

Any signs of reflux this time?
Not yet.  We've had a few fussy feedings, and Brayden is definitely more of a spitter-upper than Logan was.  At this point I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it stays that way.

How is he sleeping at night?
He lasts about 2 1/2-3 hours at night, but he almost always goes right back to sleep after nursing.  I'm only up for 20-30 minutes for each feeding, so I don't even feel like I'm missing out on that much sleep in the long run. 

How much does he weigh?
I'll know after our one month appointment tomorrow!

How is Logan dealing with being a big brother?
Logan is quickly turning into a typical two year-old, but he is a great big brother.  He has his moments where he could care less about Brayden being around, but for the most part he adores him!  Logan is fascinated with all of Brayden's actions throughout the day.  He constantly tells me when Brayden is sleeping, when he is awake, when he's eating or crying, and especially when he poops!  I can tell he is excited for the day when Brayden is old enough to play with him, but he is starting to understand that he's just too little right now.

How do the boys differ?
As I said earlier, Brayden is a much easier baby to care for than Logan was.  Though Brayden wants to be held a lot, he usually stops crying pretty quickly after I pick him up.  Logan was a crier and wanted to be held constantly too, but he cried and cried even after I picked him up.  He was impossible to get to sleep and would not sleep anywhere but in my arms.  Though Brayden likes to fall asleep in my arms currently, he will stay asleep if I put him down (as long as I wrap him loosely in a blanket).  Logan kept me up at all hours of the night for hours at a time crying, whereas Brayden is great about going right back to sleep.  I've said before I was much more uptight with Logan, and I really feel that my attempt at being more laid-back is helping.   I see some of my super anal, crazy about routine, everything in its place personality in Logan, and I'm convinced that Brayden is going to be my more laid-back child.

How are the boys the same?
Both boys hate the swing!  Aren't babies supposed to like the swing?!  Both really enjoy getting a bath.  They are both keeping me busy in their own way, and they are both loved to pieces by their family (but especially their mommy)!

How am I feeling?
I feel great!  The inital recovery from c-section #2 wasn't as bad as it was the first time, even though I felt like it wasn't really that bad at that point either.  I think my soreness is lasting a little longer this time, but I'm sure that's because I've been more active this time as well.

Can I wear my regular clothes yet?
Not yet, but I'm getting there.  I'm still wearing maternity pants - I can get my regular ones on but they won't button just yet.  I can wear my regular shirts for the most part.  I still have about 7 pounds to lose.

Am I finding time for myself?
Amazingly, yes!  Logan goes to bed between 7:30 and 8:00 and I put Brayden in his crib after his late evening feeding (usually around 8 or 8:30).  Most days he's sleeping at this point, so I have a few hours to take a shower and relax alone before his 10 or 10:30 feeding, after which I go to bed.  It's nice having this time to myself - I didn't get to enjoy it with Logan because I was so tired, and I was going to bed with him at 8:00!  It definitely seems strange to be able to have both kids in bed so early, but I'm thankful for the break!

How is Todd dealing with being a daddy of two?
Todd is really doing a great job being a daddy right now.  He is great about helping me out with Logan so I can focus most of my attention on Brayden.  He really bonded with Logan over the 2 1/2 weeks he was home after Brayden was born, and I have really seen a great increase in affection toward his daddy on Logan's part.  They are definitely two peas in a pod!  Todd is a little bit more hesitant to jump in and help out with Brayden, but he doesn't really enjoy the newborn stage and I respect that.  I appreciate the help he is giving me with Logan! 

What is the best part of having two little ones?
Twice the love!  Twice the hugs, twice the kisses, and twice the fun!  I couldn't be happier!

And now a few pictures...

Last photo as a family of three!

Mommy and Brayden

First photo as a family of four!

Brayden James Lawniczak

Logan meeting his little brother

Home sweet home

Mommy's two little monkeys!

Our newest addition

Go Blue!

Our two little Michigan fans

Brayden's first real bath

Nighty night